Opera for Everyone, A Historical, Social, Artistic, Literary, and Musical Study - Softcover

Fanelli, Jean Grundy; Grundy Fanelli, Jean

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0810848945 ISBN 13: 9780810848948

Publisher: Scarecrow Press, 2003

Synopsis

Not your usual opera guide, this work forgoes the usual synopses of plots, biographical particulars, and anecdotes to concentrate instead on fundamental elements of opera examining it from many angles. With a discussion of such topics as those who created it--the musicians, writers, and artists--the outcome of their work, commissioners and producers, why opera developed as it did, why particular styles became popular, when operas were given and in what environment or political climate, the reaction of audiences, and the span of success. Opera is viewed, as much as possible, from a perspective of what audiences at the time would have expected and enjoyed. All aspects of opera are explained in language appropriate for those with varying levels of knowledge about the art form. Each chapter features a particularly innovative period of operatic history and each focuses on representative and successful works of that era and concludes with a short selection of other works of the same period and style for further listening or viewing. Plates of little-known engravings--seven of Baroque stage productions--and a glossary, bibliography, and index round out the work.

About this title

About the Author:

Jean Grundy Fanelli is a freelance lecturer, journalist, and writer. She was born in Lincoln, UK but came to Italy to live and work in her early twenties, first in Rome and then in Florence.   She is married to a lawyer and has a grown up son and daughter.   She has a doctorate from London University and has written five books of musicology and numerous articles on Baroque vocal music. She has also written three novels set in Lincolnshire during WWII.More details can be found on englishwritersinitaly.com

Review:

...puts across the development of opera engagingly and with freshness. (Classical Music)

For all levels from beginner to aficionado. (Reference and Research Book News)

About this edition

• Publisher: Scarecrow Press
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0810848945
• ISBN 13: 9780810848948
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 288